There were dramatic scenes at Rossett yesterday for BSJFC U10 Girls in the Quarter-Final of the Harrogate & Craven Junior Football League Cup & Shield (kindly sponsored by Power 4 U).

Hosting Ilkely U10 Girls, who play in the league above our girls, the stakes were high, and Manager Scott and the coaches knew a tough game lay ahead. This was confirmed when Ilkley took the lead early in the second half. Heads did not drop, though. Far from it.

Scott and Martin rallied the girls, who battled seriously hard against an excellent Ilkley side. It paid off, too, when a fabulous cross from Martha B bounced around in the box and came out to Vivienne W. BOSH! Her powerful first-time strike sent the net bulging – incredible! From then on, it was end-to-end stuff with both sides coming close, but the final whistle meant the tie went to penalties.

On a day where we diligently tried to observe the Football England's Silent Support Weekend (which nearly killed some of the parents), nerves were really jangling.

There was no need to worry, though.

Penalties from Esme, Martha B and Libbie (plus cool as a cucumber save after save from Esme) sealed the victory when it went to the dreaded sudden death.

Manager Scott was ecstatic, "The players, Martin, Sarah and I are delighted to progress to the Semi Final of the Power 4 U Cup & Shield after a real battling performance from every one of our players. Manager's player of the match, Martha P, is worth a mention as she blocked everything Ilkley threw at her, whilst creating some fantastic chances going forward."

Martha P was over the moon after the match “It felt amazing as I thought we’d lose, but we did well to come back and win on penalties – everyone did really well!”

“We told Libbie she was taking the next penalty, to which she said I am so nervous. When I noticed her laces weren’t tied, I thought I’d best tie them. Up she stepped, calm as ever,” Martin revealed. “All players involved played a huge part in an amazing match against a strong Ilkley side.”

Esme relished every minute and oozed confidence. “I loved it! It was a great shootout, and I knew as soon as it went to penalties, we’d all get the job done!”

Brilliant performance, girls - let's see who lies in wait for you in the Semi-Final when the draw is made at the end of the week.

Beckwithshaw Saints JFC U10 Girls are sponsored by Plan A Product Development.